Wearing a flip flop makes you feel comfortable and relaxed. It definitely gives your feet the much needed TLC after a tiring day in your boots or closed shoes. But have you ever wondered if you are picking up the right flip flop for your feet? If no, then you are, in a way, causing irreversible damage to your feet, albeit unknowingly. Here is something you need to know about flat feet syndrome its causes and treatments.
Most people buy flip flops on an impulse, selecting a pair that looks good or feels comfortable after a few rounds around the store. Others buy them without even trying to gauge their needs, like how much time of the day they will be wearing them. This ignorance is enough to lead to problems in the feet that could cost one dearly, says Dr Pradeep Moonot, orthopedic surgeon specialising in knee, foot and ankle surgery.
Wearing the wrong flip flop can take a toll on your feet by stressing and straining the muscles and ligaments in your limbs. A flip flop does a lot than just give your feet mere protection during walking along with a good grip at your toes. This is what wearing a wrong pair can lead to:
Heel pains: A wrong pair of flip flop could mean inadequate support to the feet for a prolonged period, which could strain the ligaments of the arch and heel. This is a prime cause of pain in the heel and arch region of the foot. This condition in medical terms is referred to as 'plantar fasciitis' which requires treatment if it gets worse with time. Here are six other possible reasons for heel pain that you should know about.
Hammertoes: If your flip flop isn t supporting your feet well and you need to strain your toes to hold on to your pair while walking, then chances are you are putting a lot of strain on the muscles of your feet. Lack of support causes the feet and legs to overcompensate. With the toes contracted to keep the grip on the flip-flop intact, it makes the muscles in the feet work for long. The impact is so severe that it leads to hammertoes, a foot deformity where the second, third or fourth toe is bent at the joint, resembling a hammer, says Dr Munoot.
Ankle pain: Did you ever experience a fall or slip while pacing around in your flip flops. If you did you should know that you are wearing a wrong pair. Lack of counter support in a flip flop causes your ankle to roll over on its side. This could be a potential threat of ligament tear or ankle sprain, which is common with ill-fitted flip flops, says Dr Munoot. Here is what you could be suffering from if you have swollen feet.
Back and hip pain: Your flip flop could be a reason behind your knee, hip or back ache. If you are wearing an ill-fitted flip flop, one which is too tight or too loose, it is bound to provide minimal or no support at the arch and heel, leading to an unstable gait, causing bad alignment, straining your knees and lower back, says Dr Monoot. Here are five ways in which bad posture can make you unhealthy.
Choosing the right flip flop
There are five parameters you need to follow while selecting a flip flop:
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Identifying your need: Whether you are choosing a flip-flop to walk around the house, for an occasional stroll or some light outdoor activities, pick one that suit your needs. In any case, choose a pair that is soft in places that touches your foot. If you are planning to do a lot of walking around in your flip flop, choose one that is heavy-duty, non-abrasive and can withstand regular wear and tear. Here are surprising benefits of walking 100 steps after dinner.
Check the sole: A good pair of flip flop should have a formed footbed, hence the material, the sole is made up of, is of utmost importance. Soles made up of plastic foam fail to offer contour to your feet and arch support. Moreover, they compress into a thin layer, offering very little protection from sharp objects and wears away quickly. A better material is EVA (Ethylene Vinyl Acetate), a copolymer of ethylene and vinyl acetate, which compresses while simultaneously offering resistance, is soft, flexible, and gives support where it is needed the most, says Dr Munoot. Rubber soles also have similar characteristics. Here are eight diseases that you could suffer from while wearing the wrong shoes.
Select the right sole design: Choosing a flip flop with the right sole is just one part of the story, the sole design is equally important when it comes to comfort and right fit. Some good soles are smooth underneath, which could lead to a slip or fall on wet surfaces. Pick up ones which come with a grip design underneath, that can provide friction with the surface and some traction too, says Dr Munoot.
Check the straps: For optimal support and comfort, pick flip flops that have a thicker strap as opposed to the thinner ones. Remember, the strap of your flip-flop should fit you well and should be soft on the insides so that it doesn t hurt your skin. Thinner straps, on the other hand, have the tendency to cut into the skin during more aggressive activity, informs Dr Munoot.
Choose the right heel height: With flip flops you can be little experimental and don t have to restrict yourself to the conventional flat ones. Choose a wedge heel, kitten heel or a high heel, keeping in mind the other parameters along with your comfort level and you are good to go.
The buyer s guide
While shopping for flip-flops follow these do's and don ts to be safe than sorry,
Do's:
Opt for a flip flop made of high-quality, soft leather. Leather minimizes the potential for blisters and other types of irritation.
Look for flip flops with leather or cloth straps that fit snugly and are easy to walk in. Make rubber straps be your second option with flip flops, in case you cannot settle for a style with the leather and cloth ones.
Make sure that your foot doesn't hang off of the edge of the flip-flop. When standing in them, you should be able to see about a 1/2 an inch of a sole all around your foot.
Gently bend the flip-flop from end to end, ensuring it bends at the ball of the foot.
Look for a layered sole that is approximately 1/2 inch in thickness and made of several different layers of material.
Don ts:
Don't continue with a pair of flip-flops for a long period of time. If your pair shows signs of wear and tear, discard it and get a new one.
Don't ignore irritation between toes, where the toe thong fits. This can lead to blisters and infections.
Don't wear flip flops while walking long distances. Even the sturdiest flip flops offer little in terms of shock absorption and arch support.
Don't play sports in flip flops. This practice can lead to twisting of the foot or ankle, as well as sprains and breaks.
Image source: Getty Images
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